Foods that should be avoided during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful feeling for a soon to be Mom. She has to care for herself and for the little one growing in her womb. Many questions may arise during her pregnancy of how to take good care for her inborn baby. Doctor’s and Grandmas suggestions are always there to guide through this time and solve many queries yet there are some questions left behind regarding the foods and drinks that she needs to avoid during pregnancy. It is very important to eat a healthy diet for the health of the mom as well as the baby. There might be certain foods that she might not like eating but there are some harmful foods and even some drinks that she should rarely consume while pregnant. Here are some foods and drinks that shouldn’t be consumed during pregnancy.

Unpasteurized Milk, Cheese, and Juice

Unpasteurized cow or buffalo milk and dairy products like unpasteurized cheese should be avoided as they contain harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli which can cause infection in your stomach. Unpasteurized juices can also cause bacterial infections so avoid drinking juice from a store and make your own fresh juice by thoroughly rinsing fruits. Always boil milk before drinking and Avoid using outside paneer variety and street food for your safety.

Partially Cooked Egg, Meat, or Fish

Check whether your egg or meat is properly cooked as raw egg or meat can be contaminated with Salmonella which can cause premature birth. Symptoms like fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, can be seen in a mother infected with Salmonella. Foods containing raw eggs like salad dressings, poached eggs, homemade ice-creams, and cake icings should be avoided. Pregnant woman should always eat thoroughly cooked eggs or use pasteurized eggs. Raw fish like shellfish, can cause infections to the mother making her weak and dehydrated as it is contaminated with Salmonella, Listeria, norovirus, vibrio, and parasites.

Do not overdo your Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin Supplements should always be taken after consulting a doctor, as excessor high dose of vitamins and minerals is not good for your infant. Like, intake of too much Vitamin A can cause developmental abnormalities in the fetus; more of Zinc can destroy the immune system.

Cut down you Caffeine intake

Use of caffeine should be limited and if possible should be avoided for the first trimester of your pregnancy to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, and energy drinks with caffeine should be avoided. The recommended daily intake of caffeine for pregnant women is less than 200 mg per day which is about 2-3 cups. Intake of high caffeine drinks during pregnancy can limit the fetal development which may result in low birth weight.

Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

Avoid consuming unwashed produce as they contain harmful bacteria and parasites like Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and Toxoplasma which can cause disease and harm both, the mother and the baby. So to minimize the risk of infection, thoroughly rinse, peel, and cook the vegetables and fruits.

Raw Sprouts

Sprouts are one of the healthiest foods which are high in protein, vitamins, and dietary fibers. Though raw sprouts like alfalfa, mung bean, clover sprouts can cause food poisoning as they are grown in warm and humid conditions and bacteria can get into the seeds of the sprout,try eating cooked sprouts which may be easy to digest and free from bacteria.

Alcohol

Pregnant women should completely avoid alcohol as it can be really dangerous for the baby and effect the baby’s brain development. Consuming alcohol can lead to miscarriage and stillbirth.No amount is considered safe, so it’s advised to avoid it totally,or soda base cold drinks as it is not good for the growth of your baby.

Food causing heat in the body

Reduce the use of cinnamon, garlic, eggplant, papaya, pickle, fenugreek seeds and carom seeds from your diet as these foods tendency is hot and consuming it is believed to be unsafe for a pregnant lady.Unripe papaya contains latex that can cause uterine contractions and may lead to miscarriage. Likewise brinjals or eggplants contain phytohormone that helps in the treatment of amenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome which can trigger menstruation.

High Mercury Fish

Mercury found in sea and polluted water is a highly toxic element. Large fish living in the oceans like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tuna can collect high amounts of mercury into them. Consuming these fishes during pregnancy can be toxic to immune system and nervous system. So it is advised for pregnant women to consume high mercury fish just 1-2 servings per month. Although, they can eat fatty fish twice a week that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Leftovers and frozen food

Leftover foods which are a day old should not be consumed during pregnancy as it may lead to gastric troubles and acidity, so try to eat freshly prepared foods. Avoid eating food that is open for more than couple of hours in an event or a party. Do not consume frozen foods that has not been stored and heated at the right temperature as it can be contaminated with bacteria and cause food poisoning.

Apart from all these proper hygiene is necessary when handling and preparing any food and drink. Developing baby’s growth depends on the mother’s food intake and the right food will give a healthy baby.